TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Agreement for Shared Emergency Management Information Broadcast Services Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Community Broadband Radio Association, Inc., a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation Known as WKDW Radio.
Recommended Action
Approve the Agreement for Shared Emergency Management Information Broadcast Services between the City of North Port, Florida, and Community Broadband Radio Association, Inc., a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation known as WKDW Radio.
Background Information
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall causing significant damage to the City of North Port and surrounding areas, disabling communications services. The City was extremely limited in its ability to communicate essential messages and information to the community regarding response to the emergency; transportation network issues; and locations where vital resources and services were available. Post-event evaluations underscored the importance of communication redundancy, highlighting the untapped avenue of community radio.
The Community Broadband Radio Association, Inc. (WKDW) operates as WKDW 97.5, serving the City of North Port and surrounding areas via radio waves and online streaming at WKDW975.com. In an effort to increase communication reach during an emergency event, staff seeks approval of this Agreement with WKDW which provides the terms and conditions for access; information provision; and use of radio broadcasting ability prior to and during an emergency activation in the City of North Port.
This no cost Agreement allows one employee of WKDW space and reasonable access to media briefings; press releases; management interviews; and other audio or video with vital information from the City during an emergency activation. It also provides the City unrestricted access to use WKDW radio broadcast equipment for transmission of emergency information to the City with the same information shared on the WKDW social media platforms, ensuring unified messaging consistent with the official media releases of the City.
The Agreement for Shared Emergency Management Information Broadcast Services between the City of North Port, Florida, and Community Broadband Radio Association, Inc., a Florida Not-for-Profit Corporation known as WKDW Radio has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Disaster Response and Recovery Management
Safe Community
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Agreement
2. Florida Division of Corporations Record
Prepared by: Jason Bartolone, Communications Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager